The Vikings could face significant changes in their secondary this offseason due to free agency and potential retirements. Safety Harrison Smith has indicated that he may consider retiring after this season. Although he went through the same contemplation last year, he ultimately signed a restructured deal to return for a 13th season in Minnesota.
Smith, who played as a full-time starter in 2024, rebounded from a quiet year with no interceptions to record three this past season. If he decides to retire, his absence would be greatly felt by the team. At 36, Smith stated he wasn’t leaning toward retirement following the Vikings’ wild-card loss, and if he returns, he would carry a modest cap hit of $6.57MM. The six-time Pro Bowler would be expected to continue in a starting role, maintaining his place among the top defenders in Vikings history.
Smith has played 192 regular season games, the most by any defensive back in franchise history, and his 37 career interceptions are the most among active players. His leadership and production would be hard to replace, though the Vikings could maintain some continuity by re-signing pending free agent Camryn Bynum. Josh Metellus, who has logged significant defensive time over the past two years, could also step into a full-time starting role if Smith retires.
Cornerback Stephon Gilmore, like Smith, is also considering retirement. The 34-year-old former Defensive Player of the Year, who has played for the Patriots, Panthers, Colts, and Cowboys, joined the Vikings on a one-year deal in August. He provided strong play opposite Byron Murphy and helped Minnesota finish with the NFL’s fifth-ranked scoring defense. After the season, Gilmore acknowledged that retirement is a possibility, saying he’s feeling his age more and will seriously consider it.
Along with Gilmore, Murphy is set to hit free agency, and cornerback Shaquill Griffin also requires a new deal. Losing both Gilmore and another key corner would make addressing the cornerback position a top priority for the Vikings this offseason. Along with decisions about quarterback Sam Darnold, the futures of Smith and Gilmore will be critical storylines to watch as the team moves into the spring.
has indicated that he may consider retiring after this season. Although he went through the same contemplation last year, he ultimately signed a restructured deal to return for a 13th season in Minnesota. Smith, who played as a full-time starter in 2024, rebounded from a quiet year with no interceptions to record three this past season. If he decides to retire, his absence would be greatly felt by the team.
At 36, Smith stated he wasn’t leaning toward retirement following the Vikings’ wild-card loss, and if he returns, he would carry a modest cap hit of $6.57MM. The six-time Pro Bowler would be expected to continue in a starting role, maintaining his place among the top defenders in Vikings history.
Smith has played 192 regular season games, the most by any defensive back in franchise history, and his 37 career interceptions are the most among active players. His leadership and production would be hard to replace, though the Vikings could maintain some continuity by re-signing pending free agent Camryn Bynum. Josh Metellus, who has logged significant defensive time over the past two years, could also step into a full-time starting role if Smith retires.
Cornerback Stephon Gilmore, like Smith, is also considering retirement. The 34-year-old former Defensive Player of the Year, who has played for the Patriots, Panthers, Colts, and Cowboys, joined the Vikings on a one-year deal in August. He provided strong play opposite Byron Murphy and helped Minnesota finish with the NFL’s fifth-ranked scoring defense. After the season, Gilmore acknowledged that retirement is a possibility, saying he’s feeling his age more and will seriously consider it.
Along with Gilmore, Murphy is set to hit free agency, and cornerback Shaquill Griffin also requires a new deal. Losing both Gilmore and another key corner would make addressing the cornerback position a top priority for the Vikings this offseason. Along with decisions about quarterback Sam Darnold, the futures of Smith and Gilmore will be critical storylines to watch as the team moves into the spring.
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